Can I mix raw dog food with Kibble?

10 July 2025
5 min read

If you’ve clicked on this post, chances are you’ve heard about raw feeding and you’re wondering whether you can mix it with kibble. Fair question. A lot of dog owners want to feed their dogs better but need to balance health with budget, routine, and what works for their dog. So, let’s break it down. Is mixing raw and kibble safe? Or is it something you’re better off avoiding altogether?

What’s the Real Difference Between Raw and Kibble?

Let’s start here. Kibble is known for being convenient, and having a long shelf life. It’s sold as “complete and balanced,” but that doesn’t tell the whole story. During production, it’s cooked at high temperatures, which strips out most of the natural nutrients. To make up for this, manufacturers spray synthetic vitamins on top after cooking. It gets the job done on paper, but it’s not exactly fresh, natural food.

Raw dog food, on the other hand, is built around whole ingredients. Meat, bone, organ, a bit of fruit and veg. No nonsense. It’s hydrating, it’s rich in naturally occurring nutrients, and it’s what your dog’s digestive system was designed to digest. That’s why dogs fed on raw often have better digestion, shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and more balanced energy.

So the question is, if raw is so good, what happens when you mix the two?

Why Mixing Raw and Kibble Can Be a Problem

The main issue lies in digestion. Raw food is high in protein and moisture and is easily digestible. Kibble, being more processed and heavier in carbohydrates, takes longer to digest. Feed them together in one bowl, and that difference can cause problems like bloating, gas, or inconsistent poos, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Another concern is stomach pH. A dog has a naturally acidic stomach, ideal for digesting meat. When you feed kibble, which is higher in carbs and fillers, it can reduce that acidity. That’s not ideal if your dog is also eating raw meat, because that acidity is what keeps the digestive system efficient.

In short, mixing raw and kibble can interfere with the health benefits that come alongside raw feeding your dog.

When It’s Okay to Mix

Now, all that said, we get it. Not everyone can switch to 100% raw overnight. At Rude Dog Food, we’re here to help people feed raw however they can, not shame them for starting slow. So yes, there are ways to mix raw and kibble safely.

Transitioning to Raw

We always recommend a gradual transition when switching from kibble to raw. Day one, replace 25% of the meal with raw. Day two, make it 50%. By day four, you’re at 100%. This method gives your dog’s digestive system time to adjust and helps avoid any upset.

Feeding Part Raw for Budget or Convenience

We know raw feeding isn’t the cheapest option, and it takes freezer space and planning. So if you’re feeding raw just a few times a week, or adding it in with other meals, that’s still a win. Research shows that even 20% raw in the diet can make a real difference. You don’t have to be perfect, just better than yesterday.

If your dog struggles with both in the same bowl, try splitting them up. Raw in the morning, kibble at night. This gives their system time to handle each food type properly.

Just like us, if we were eating a super processed diet but then two days a week we ate healthy whole food, home cooked meals, we would be far healthier than if we exclusively ate hyper processed food everyday. Essentially, a little bit of good food can do a lot of good.

A Few Tips If You’re Mixing

If you do decide to combine raw and kibble in any way, here’s how to make it smoother:

Start slow. Any changes to diet should be gradual. Watch out for soft stools, bloating, or discomfort.
Use high-quality raw dog food. Not all raw dog food is equal. Make sure you’re using food from a trusted supplier like Rude Dog Food. Real ingredients, proper handling, and balanced nutrition matter.
Watch the poo. Your dog’s stool is one of the best indicators of how well they’re digesting their food. You’re aiming for firm, easy-to-pick-up poos.

So, Should You Mix?

Here’s the honest answer: fully raw is ideal. There is no avoiding that. But if you’re not quite there yet, mixing can be a stepping stone, not a failure.

The benefits of raw are clear, even when it’s only part of the bowl. Fresher breath, better digestion, more stable energy, healthier skin and coat. So if it’s between mixing or not feeding raw at all, we say give it a go. Do it carefully, monitor your dog, and see how they respond.

Because sometimes, just a little bit of real food is all it takes to see real change.